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VII. MINOR COMMUNITIES <br /> <br />Within the Sylvester Gulch study area two additional vegetation communities were <br />encountered; the Douglas fir and dry meadow communities. Based on available <br />designs for the relocated facilities, it was determined that the Douglas fir community <br />would not be significantly disturbed during this project. The dry meadow stands within <br />the Sylvester Gulch study area had been significantly altered by cattle grazing (in <br />trespass) early in the growing season. For this reason, and since the dry meadow azeas <br />of the mine had been sampled previously, it was jointly determined by CDMG, MCC, <br />and Savage and Savage that sampling the dry meadow area in 1996 would not be <br />necessary. Descriptions of these communities can be found in the West Elk Mine <br />permit under the V~~etation Communities of the West Elk Mine Study Area section. <br />One area was encountered west of the Dry Meadow Reference Area which was a mix <br />of oakbrush, aspen, and riparian communities. This azea was less than one acre in size <br />and was deemed ecotonal. Due to its unique character, it was not included in the <br />sampling of any of the communities. <br />• <br /> <br />-21- <br />